Apparatus for redirecting flow in a fluid conveying system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided for redirecting flow in a fluid conveying system. The apparatus is characterized by its simplicity of design and fewer moving parts. In a preferred application, the apparatus forms part of a venting system for vapors escaping from a storage container for volatile liquids. During storage the small quantity of vapors that form are vented to the atmosphere. However, during filling the apparatus readily converts the venting system to one that provides means for recovering the large quantity of vapors displaced by filling.

United States Patent [191 Taverner et al.

[ 4] APPARATUS FOR REDIRECTING FLOW IN A FLUID CONVEYING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Clarence I. Taverner; Earl E.

Kleinmann, both of Bartlcsville, Okla,

[73] Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company,

Bartlesville, Okla.

[22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 210,328

[52] U.S. Cl 141/84, 141/59, 141/290,

141/326, 285/12, 285/320 [51] Int. Cl B65b 3/18 [58] Field of Search 285/12, 320; 141/50,

[ 5 6 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1910 May..l 285/12 Jan. 15, 1974 8/1940 Hans 141/84 9/1944 Sherbondy 141/84 Primary Examiner--Houston S. Bell, Jr. Attorney-Quigg & Oberlin 5 7 ABSTRACT An apparatus is provided for redirecting flow in a fluid conveying system. The apparatus is characterized by its simplicity of design and fewer moving parts.

in a preferred application, the apparatus forms part of a venting system for vapors escaping from a storage container for volatile liquids. During storage the small quantity of vapors that form are vented to the atmosphere. However, during filling the apparatus readily converts the venting system to one that provides means for recovering the large quantity of vapors displaced by filling.

5 Claims, 31Drawing Figures PATENIEUJANWW; f m 3.785.413

INVENTORS c. TAVERNER E.E. KLEINMANN BY why; 4 [1 j cQVAW 1 v ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR REDIREC'IING FLOW IN A FIJUII) CONVEYING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The novel apparatus of this invention may be em- This invention relates to an apparatus for changing 5 ployed in a number of fluid conveying systems.

the direction of flow of a fluid.

Conduit systems in which flowing fluids are confined are used in a wide variety of situations where it is necessary to transmit the fluid from one location to another. As would be expected, there is frequently a need to divert the fluid from one direction and cause it to flow in another. This, of course, has been done in a variety of ways. For example, multidirectional valves that are capable of closing one pathway while opening another, have been employed.

One desirable feature of any system that is to be employed for redirecting the flow of fluids is simplicity of operation and reliability. The fewer moving parts that are required the more its reliability is enhanced.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide an improved fluid handling apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system for recovering vapors displaced during the filling of storage containers for volatile liquids.

The apparatus of this invention provides novel means for altering the direction of flow in a fluid conveying system. It comprises a first conduit for receiving a fluid flow through one end from a source generating the flow. The other end of this conduit is provided with a removable closure. There is further provided an opening in the side of this conduit for diverting the flow therefrom and into other means for receiving the flow. A second conduit is provided whose length and outside diameter are such that, if inserted through the closure end, it will entend far enough into the first conduit to close off the side opening. Thus the flow of fluid may be altered simply by removing the closure and inserting the second conduit. The flow of fluid previously exiting the first conduit by means of the side opening must now exit through the second conduit.

The apparatus of this invention can be employed as part of a venting system for storage containers that are used to confine volatile liquids.

The side opening can provide means for communicating with a conventional vent pipe so that during the storage period vapors can escape to the atmosphere. During filling of the storage container, when large amounts of vapor are displaced, a second conduit can be inserted into the first to seal off the side opening. The second conduit can provide means for communicating with a vapor recovery container while preventing the escape of the displaced vapors to the atmosphere through the vent pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTlON OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a storage container employing the apparatus of this invention as it can be used during a filling operation from a supply truck.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section view of an apparatus of this invention with the removable closure in place.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section view of an apparatus of this invention with the closure device removed and the second conduit inserted into the first conduit.

A preferred way of using the apparatus of this invention is as part of the venting system for storage containers that can confine volatile liquids. Therefore, in order to aid in the understanding of this invention and to demonstrate its utility, it will be described as part of a venting system for storage containers without intending to limit its use thereto.

Normally, storage containers for volatile liquids are designed to include a venting system that operates to allow escape to the atmosphere of vapors that form. During the usual storage periodlosses are minimal.

However, during the filling (or refilling) of the container, the vapors present and those generated by the filling process are displaced as the liquid level rises. In

the typical filling process, a considerable volume of vapors may be lost to the atmosphere if means are not provided for recapture of these vapors. These vapors can represent a sizable economic loss and in addition contribute to air pollution.

A typical method for preventing the loss is to attach to the vent pipe of the storage container a hose or other means of conveying the vapors displaced by filling to another vessel, usually the source from which the storage container is being filled. A typical system is described in US. Pat. No. 2,928,436.

Referring now to FIG. 1 which represents a system for recovering vapors displaced during the filling of a storage container for gasoline or similar volatile liquid, a storage tank It) is being filled from tank truck 11 through filling pipe 12 by means of filling hose 13. As the level of gasoline M rises, vapors in the storage tank are displaced through pipe 15 and conduit 16 and returned to the tank truck through hose I7. Vent pipe 18,

through which vapors normally pass under storage conditions, is sealed by the insertion of conduit 19 into conduit 16. The arrangement has the added advantage of providing that accidental overfilling will not result in discharging a large amount of liquid onto the ground, thereby creating a severe fire hazard if the liquid be flammable as in the case of gasoline. Instead, the excess liquid will be returned to the filling source.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a vertical section view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention, in more detail than in FIG. I, as it might be installed as a part of the venting system of the gasoline storage tank. A removable closure 20 is in place and latching arms 21 are provided to attach removable closure 20 securely to conduit 16. Other methods of securing closure 20 can be employed, e.g., threading conduit 16 either on the inside or outside to receive a threaded closure.

While closure 20 is in place, vapors rising from storage tank 10 will pass through vapor exit pipe 15 and conduit 16. Their exit through side opening 22. into vent pipe 18 allows escape to the atmosphere of vapors that accumulate and exceed the'pressure required to allow the venting mechanism, not shown, to work. Normally the venting system comprises a simple pipe rising a predetermined height above ground level.

The apparatus is shown buried beneath ground surface 23 in manhole 24 which has a cover 25. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such an underground installation is not required.

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is depicted a vertical section view of the embodiment of this invention as shown in FIG. 2 having the closure 20 to conduit 16 removed and conduit 19 inserted therein. Conduits l6 and 19 may be of any cross-sectional shape so long as the cross-sectional shape of each is the same. Normally they will be of regular cross sections such as square, round or oval. A round cross section will be preferred for most applications.

Although not required, conduit 19 is shown provided with tapered portion 26 that cooperates with shoulder 27 of conduit 16 to position conduit 19 so as to cover and seal side opening 22. Of course, the portion of conduit 19 that extends into conduit 16 must be of sufficient length to completely seal opening 22.

The inside dimension of conduit 16 can be reduced as shown in FIG. 2 to provide shoulder 28. Shoulder 28 may provide means for limiting the extent to which conduit 19 may be inserted into conduit 16. In addition, there may be provided a gasket 29 or other means which will cooperate with the inserted end of conduit 19 or with the outer surface of conduit 19, such as an O-ring, to provide more effective sealing against vapor escape through opening 22. The use of the gasket 29 has the additional advantage of allowing the use of less close tolerances between the inside diameter of conduit 16 and the outside diameter of conduit 19 while still providing an adequate seal. Gasket 29, if employed, should be made from materials resistant to any corrosive action of the fluid with which it comes in contact. Neoprene or other solvent resistant rubber would be preferred when the vapors are those of gasoline.

Normally conduit 19 will be held in place by its own weight. Optional means may be provided for more securely attaching conduit 19 to conduit 16, particularly when the fluid conveyed is under high pressure. Shown in FIG. 3 are clamping arms 31 which are disposed to engage lip 30 of conduit 16. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other means may also be employed, e.g., a threaded connection may be used.

With conduit 19 in place it can be seen that vapors and overfill liquid rising from storage tank are no longer able to pass through side opening 22. Instead they must pass into and through conduit 19. Conduit 19 will normally be adapted to receive means for conveying the fluid in whatever manner desired. Conduit 19 is shown in FIG. 3 as having internal threads such as would provide means to couple vapor return hose 17 as shown in FIG. 1. The connecting means actually employed will normally depend on the particular use to which the apparatus of this invention is put. It is considered to be well within the ability of one skilled in the relevant art to select a suitable means.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the apparatus of this invention may be employed as part of other fluid conveying means than that described above. For example, a convenient tap for a compressed air line can be provided by this apparatus.

When the conveyed fluid is under high pressure and could escape when the closure 20 is removed, there can be employed upstream of the apparatus a valve or other means for temporarily stopping the flow until such time as conduit 19 can be inserted into conduit 16.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for altering the direction of flow in a fluid conveying system comprising:

a. a first conduit open at both ends for passage of fluid therethrough,

b. a removable closure for one end of the first conduit through which flow is directed,

c. an opening in the side of the first conduit, and

d. a second conduit, open at both ends, being slidably insertable into the first conduit at the closure end, said second conduit being of sufficient length and having an outside diameter which cooperates with the first conduit upon insertion of said second conduit into the first conduit thereby closing the side opening of the first conduit and redirecting flow of fluid away from said side opening through said second conduit.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first conduit and said second conduit possess cooperating means for positioning said second conduit so as to close the side opening.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said side opening is in open communication with a third conduit.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein means are provided for securing said second conduit in said first conduit.

5. A system for transferring volatile liquids to storage comprising in combination:

a. the apparatus in claim 1,

b. a supply source for the liquid,

0. a storage container for the liquid having a filling pipe and a vapor exit pipe wherein said vapor exit pipe is in open communication with an open end of said first conduit,

d. means in open communication with the side opening of said first conduit for venting vapors to the atmosphere,

e. a return hose for vapors and overfill liquid extending from the supply source and in open communication with said second conduit, and

f. a filling hose extendable between the supply source and the filling pipe.

sn'msm'rmT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,785,413 a January 15, 197

Clarence I. Taverner' et a1.

It is certified thet error appears in the above-identified, patent and that letters Patent are hereby eorrected as shown below:

Column 1+, line 17, delete "through which flow is directed" and line 18, after "conduit" insert through which flow is directed Signed and sealed this 7th day of May 1.97 1;-

(SEAL) Atte st:

(2 MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of P:

EDWARD H .FLETUiLBR, JR Attesting Officer I 

1. An apparatus for altering the direction of flow in a fluid conveying system comprising: a. a first conduit open at both ends for passage of fluid therethrough, b. a removable closure for one end of the first conduit through which flow is directed, c. an opening in the side of the first conduit, and d. a second conduit, open at both ends, being slidably insertable into the first conduit at the closure end, said second conduit being of sufficient length and having an outside diameter which cooperates with the first conduit upon insertion of said second conduit into the first conduit thereby closing the side opening of the first conduit and redirecting flow of fluid away from said side opening through said second conduit.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first conduit and said second conduit possess cooperating means for positioning said second conduit so as to close The side opening.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said side opening is in open communication with a third conduit.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein means are provided for securing said second conduit in said first conduit.
 5. A system for transferring volatile liquids to storage comprising in combination: a. the apparatus in claim 1, b. a supply source for the liquid, c. a storage container for the liquid having a filling pipe and a vapor exit pipe wherein said vapor exit pipe is in open communication with an open end of said first conduit, d. means in open communication with the side opening of said first conduit for venting vapors to the atmosphere, e. a return hose for vapors and overfill liquid extending from the supply source and in open communication with said second conduit, and f. a filling hose extendable between the supply source and the filling pipe. 